Donald Putman Talmadge

Donald Putman Talmadge, 94, died July 5, 2014, at the Wilkinson Residential Facility. He was born on July 11, 1919, in Amsterdam, the son of Merle and Hazel Putman Talmadge.

He graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School, Class of 1937 and the Amsterdam School of Commerce in 1938. In addition to completing the General Electric Company’s Machinist Apprentice course in 1942, he also attended Union College majoring in physics and math. He was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church. While in high school, Don was a speed skater with the Fort Johnson Athletic Association team, winning medals in both the intermediate and senior categories of the Eastern States Speed Skating Championships. He travelled throughout New York state to compete in many races.

Donald was a veteran of World War II. He was in the U.S. Navy from August 1944, to May 1946. He served as a Machinist’s Mate R on the U.S.S. Acontius, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 9, stationed in the Philippines.

Prior to World War II, he was employed by General Electric as a toolmaker. After the war he was with the company as a foreman in the Punching, Tool and Die Operation: Specialist Methods, Planning and Time Studies; and a Manufacturing Engineering-Project Development. He retired in 1983 with 43 years of service from the Large Steam Turbine Department. He was a senior member of the American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers.

In 1947, he married Evelyn L. Moyer, the daughter of the Rev. Floyd H. and Edith Moyer. Rev. Moyer was the pastor at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for many years. Evelyn died in September of 2002. They enjoyed skiing, swimming and motorcycle riding. They shared their home with many cats and dogs. Donald loved to hunt, especially pheasants and other game birds.

He served with National Ski Patrol Association for 28 years. He patrolled at Gore Mountain, North Creek, NY and Stratton Mountain, VT. He was an Emergency Medical Technician, teaching classes, and also volunteering for GAVAC for eight years.

He is survived by a daughter, Marcia (Kevin) Richard of Amsterdam, NY; a grandson, Todd (Rachel) Richard of Amsterdam, NY; and a great-grandson, Dylan Richard of St. Albans, VT; a sister-in-law, Elaine Ko Talmadge of Fort Johnson, NY; two nephews, a niece, their spouses and children. He is also survived by a special friend and companion, Barbara Q. Kuhn, who has stayed by his side through the good and the bad times. He was also blessed to have had his morning coffee buddies at Dunkin Donuts and the Coffee Beanery. He enjoyed these morning outings. He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Frank Talmadge Sr. in July 2005.

Cremation will take place at Vale Cemetery Crematorium in Schenectady. Private interment at the convenience of the family will be in Fairview Cemetery.

There will be no calling hours and no funeral services, as per Donald’s request.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s name to the E.L. Wilkinson RHCF or to the Montgomery County SPCA. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com